At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen, collaborating with guest chefs and creating unique culinary experiences.
- Company: Join a creative hospitality team behind Crudo and Tiny Wine in East London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, service charge, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Full-time role with evening and weekend availability; immediate start!
- Why this job: Be part of an evolving culinary space that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef ready to step up, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 47000 £ per year.
- Head Chef
- Full-time – London Fields / Mare Street, East London
About the role
We are building a new kind of hospitality space in Hackney.
A curated kitchen and bar programme where guest chefs, bartenders and collaborators take over the space for short residencies, events and experiences.
The concept constantly evolves through pop ups, dinners, tastings and private events.
We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Rocola Studio.
This is not a traditional Head Chef role.
Alongside delivering Rocola's own food programme, you'll lead the kitchen during a rotating calendar of guest chef residencies and collaborations.
Your role is to ensure every service runs smoothly, whether it's our own menu or a completely new concept.
Working closely with our Restaurant Manager and Group Head Chef, you'll be responsible for maintaining exceptional standards while creating an environment where both our team and visiting chefs can thrive.
About the space
The venue is an intimate kitchen and bar on Mare Street, centred around a large open kitchen and counter seating.
Designed as a platform for guest chefs, drinks collaborations and creative hospitality, the space is constantly evolving while maintaining a consistent level of quality, professionalism and guest experience.
- What you'll be responsible for
- Kitchen leadership
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the kitchen.
- Manage, support and develop the Sous Chef and wider kitchen team.
- Lead services and ensure consistently high standards of execution.
- Foster a positive, professional and collaborative kitchen culture.
- Guest chef collaborations
- Work alongside visiting chefs during residencies and events.
- Help translate guest chef concepts into smooth, operationally successful services.
- Coordinate prep, ordering and kitchen logistics ahead of each collaboration.
- Ensure guest chefs feel supported while maintaining Rocola's operational standards.
- Adapt quickly to changing menus, ingredients and styles of service.
- Kitchen operations
- Oversee prep, ordering, stock control and food cost.
- Manage supplier relationships and deliveries.
- Minimise waste and maintain efficient kitchen systems.
- Ensure the kitchen, equipment and storage areas remain clean, organised and service ready.
- Oversee daily and weekly cleaning schedules.
- Food safety & compliance
- Maintain full compliance with food safety, HACCP and health & safety requirements.
- Ensure all food is stored, labelled and handled correctly.
- Maintain excellent hygiene standards throughout the kitchen.
- Ensure all compliance records are completed accurately.
What we're looking for
- Experience as a Head Chef or an experienced Sous Chef ready to step up.
- Experience leading a quality-led restaurant kitchen.
- Strong leadership and organisational skills.
- Excellent understanding of food safety, stock control and kitchen operations.
- Calm under pressure with excellent communication skills.
- Passionate about developing people and building positive kitchen culture.
- Excited by working with different chefs, cuisines and evolving menus.
- Other details
- Full-time role based on Mare Street, East London.
- Evening and weekend availability required.
- Salary: £40,000–£47,000 including service charge, depending on experience.
- Opportunity to work alongside a rotating programme of some of London's most exciting guest chefs.
- Excellent opportunities for progression as the business grows.
About us
We're the team behind Crudo and Tiny Wine, two independent hospitality concepts we've built in London over the past few years.
Crudo opened in 2019 and has grown into a group of restaurants built around modern Latin American food, strong atmosphere and warm, energetic service.
Tiny Wine came out of our love for smaller, more intimate drinking spaces, with a big focus on personality, curation and creating a place people genuinely want to spend time in.
A big part of what we've learnt through both brands is that people come back for more than just the food or drinks.
They come back for the feeling of the place, the team behind it, and the sense that something thoughtful is being built.
Rocola Studio is the next step in that.
It gives us the opportunity to create a more flexible space built around a changing programme of chefs, drinks, events and collaborations.
A space that can evolve constantly while still being run with a clear point of view and strong operational standards.
We're building a place that's creative, ambitious and collaborative.
Somewhere guests want to return to regularly, and somewhere chefs are genuinely excited to cook.
Experience: Required
- Employment: Full-time
- Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday
Benefits: Including Service Charge
Starting time: Immediate start!
About Crudo Restaurant & Tiny Wine Bar
Crudo is a modern Latin-inspired restaurant group in London, known for fresh ceviches and vibrant flavours.
We're a growing team that values creativity, collaboration and offers opportunities to learn and grow.
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Head Chef employer: Crudo Restaurant & Tiny Wine Bar
Crudo Restaurant & Tiny Wine Bar is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and creative work environment in the heart of London. As Head Chef, you will not only lead a passionate team but also have the unique opportunity to collaborate with renowned guest chefs, enhancing your culinary skills and expanding your professional network. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and a supportive kitchen culture, this role promises a rewarding experience for those looking to make their mark in the culinary world.
Contact Details:
Crudo Restaurant & Tiny Wine Bar Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Crudo Restaurant & Tiny Wine Bar. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Crudo Restaurant & Tiny Wine Bar
Don't be shy about reaching out to Crudo Restaurant & Tiny Wine Bar directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Crudo Restaurant & Tiny Wine Bar and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crudo Restaurant & Tiny Wine Bar
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
